A cover letter introduces you and your background to an organization and expresses your interest in a role. Applicants typically send a resume with their cover letter.

Reviewers typically spend no more than 20-30 seconds reading a cover letter. The goal is to get reviewers so interested that they slow down, read more carefully, check your resume, and grant you an interview!

The tips below explain what employers are looking for in a cover letter and can help you draft a strong letter that will catch your reader’s interest: